WESTPORT, Conn. – A suspect who police say ditched a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee at Greens Farms Academy in Westport is believed to have fled the area in a car stolen from school grounds, police said.

The private school was placed on lockdown earlier Friday afternoon after the Jeep was found abandoned there.

The lockdown was lifted at approximately 2:30 p.m. after police gave the "all clear" and parents were allowed to pick up their children as normal, Greens Farms Communications Director Alison Freeland said.

"We're very thankful for having done lockdown drills and that the security we put in place recently worked," Freeland said. "We're also extremely grateful for the Westport Police Department's response."

All after-school activities will go on as planned, including the 6 p.m. basketball game, Freeland said.

Even though police have told the school they are confident the suspect has fled the area, officers will maintain a presence at the school throughout the evening as long as students are there, Freeland said.

Original story:

Greens Farms Academy in Westport was placed on lockdown Friday afternoon after a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee police were searching for was found at the school, a police dispatcher said.

Because police believe the suspect fled the vehicle on foot, the school was placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure, the dispatcher said.

The suspect is described as a black male wearing dark sunglasses, the dispatcher said. Anyone with information should call police at 203-341-6000.

Police sent out a CodeRed telephone message shortly after 11:30 a.m. Friday informing residents that a stolen green Jeep Grand Cherokee was seen in the area of Greens Farms Road and Beachside Avenue. Residents were asked to call police if they spotted the vehicle.

Check back with The Westport Daily Voice as more information becomes available.